In the domain of natural stone, there are contradictory opinions on whether or not limestone should be sealed. On one hand, experts tend to propose sealing all stone. On the contrary, sealants may be notorious for altering the stone’s natural visual aspect.
For many of the parts, all natural stone surfaces should be sealed. Especially with permeable stones like limestone, sealing is essential to prevent other particles and liquids from seeping below the surface. Stone floors and counters that go opened may harbor ground-in dirt, dust, and dried fluids. This can be particularly problematic when you spill things in your kitchen and bathroom, because colorful liquids can easily stain a stone with lighter coloration. Likewise, exterior limestone used around pool decks or patios can be subject to various atmospheric condition, chemicals, and plentifulness of traffic.
Limestone needs to be sealed in order to last as long as accomplishable. Limestone sealer maintains the natural appearance of your natural stone, and can foreclose it from getting stained. Even dirt and water can cause crystallization within the pores of your limestone, resulting in unsightly stains.
There are a few different forms and sub-types for limestone sealers, and which you select will most likely be dependent on what type of limestone home feature you’re covering. Some of the options are better for bathroom limestone, while others are meant generally for limestone flooring.
- Permanent Limestone Coatings
Permanent coatings are those that are more difficult to be abstracted, and are meant to stay on your stone for its complete lifespan. They’re usually made of polymers supported in a solvent, with general ones being polyurethane and epoxy. These are often not suggested for natural stone. - Strippable Limestone Coatings
These coatings can be easily removed from the surfaces as they are composed of materials like acrylics, styrene, polyethylene, and much more, typically with chemical formulas that are water-based. This form of sealant is meant more for tile floors and not necessarily stone, so ascertain to pick one specific to stone if you choose a strippable option. - Penetrating Limestone Sealants
Penetrating sealants are planned to go deep below the surface and deposit particles into the stone’s holes. They also coat the materials found below the surface of the stone. By using a discriminating sealant, your stone is immune to water, oil, and other form of dirt.
Many homeowners conflict with choosing between coatings and sealants. By and large speaking, coatings are much easy to use by non-experienced homeowners, and are way more economical. They provide anti-slip attributes, and add a luster to limestone. Regrettably, coatings want to be buffed often, and can give stone a plastic-like appearance. Sealants, on the other hand, require professional application. They’re less surroundings friendly and more expensive, but also do not require frequent layering. These last for years, and won’t change the color or visual aspect of your stone the way coatings will.